Political
Colonies in Africa were creating rivalries between western powers. In order to conquer the the colonies, military force was brought in to establish a stable rule at the beginning and created small wars between African tribes and the Europeans. The Boer War was fought in South Africa by Dutch descendants (Boers) and the British. The Dutch later surrendered giving The Brits control over the region that was rich with gold. The Battle of Isandhwana was a battle between the Zulu and British at Isandhwana; Although the Zulu had upwards of 3000 casualties, they defeated the British. Rivalries between political powers were born trying to settle who got what in Africa, hence, "The scramble for Africa".
Economic
Rail roads in Africa were used to transport agricultural goods and raw materials throughout Africa. In order for industrialization to happen in Africa, they needed to use the industrialization in Europe as a guide. Crops, handcrafts, and raw materials were exported which supported Africa's economic growth and contributed to their westernized economy. In the south, gold and diamonds were mined by labor groups that were forced to work by the British. Often, the conditions of the mines were harmful to the body and environment and many workers died.
Religion
Forms of animistic religions were practiced in Sub-Saharan African tribes that were divided by their colonial rulers. Christian missionaries from Europe were constantly in Africa from North to South trying to convert people to their religion. Military force and wars lowered the moral of the people which led to the decline in belief in the animist gods and religious practices. African converts opposed the focus of the missionaries and Christian views collided with the views of African religious views. With conflict within the religions, marriages between people with different religious backgrounds were opposed.
Society
Racism and segregation was big during the modern period, especially in South Africa. Cross racial relations between the Europeans and Africans was strongly prohibited. The natives and Europeans were separated by different housing, schools, and whatever else the Europeans felt they shouldn't have to do or share with the Africans. The mines in South Africa created contact between the whites and blacks, but it also created conflict.
Intellectual
Roads and railroads contributed to the transportation of people and the transportation of goods whether they be exports or imports. With industrialization occurring, many European products such as the telegraph aided communication. Artillery from Europe was used by African armies. Education was used by the Europeans to uplift the natives in Africa but even then, and educated African man was not equal with an educated European man.
Arts/Architecture
British and French architectural styles exist in the areas once ruled by them. The Zulu's in South Africa built dome shaped buildings that were decorated on the outside and had mats/rugs that covered the insides. Christianity influenced many architectural designs and many European styles were focused near the coast. Handcrafts such as rugs, masks, and weapons were created as a form of art and to show the dominance of that particular tribe.
Near Geography
With the Indian Ocean to the right and Atlantic ocean to the left, the African continent is surrounded by water. Winding rivers such as the Congo and Zambezi run through the internals of Sub-Saharan Africa. Lucius Forests and vast plains infested with wild life shape much of what Africa is today.
Sources
http://www.fofweb.com/History/HistRefMain.asp?iPin=WHIV025&SID=2&DatabaseName=Modern+World+History+Online&InputText=%22art+and+architecture+1750+1900%22&Search&dTitle=art+and+architecture%2C+1750%26%23150%3B1900&TabRecord+Entry&BioCountPass=0&SubCountPass=1&DocCountPass=0&ImgCountPass=0&MapCountPass=0&FedCountPass=&MedCountPass=0&NewsCountPass=0&RecPosition=1&AmericanData=&WomenData=&AFHCData=&IndianData=&WorldData=Set&AncientData=&GovernmentData=
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/756980/African-architecture/57116/The-20th-century
http://www.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/4/6/12461167/575309090.jpg
http://soulsafari.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/langlaagte_deep_gold_mining_co-_s-_africa.jpg
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/756980/African-architecture/57116/The-20th-century
http://www.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/4/6/12461167/575309090.jpg
http://soulsafari.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/langlaagte_deep_gold_mining_co-_s-_africa.jpg